Marching Band Guide
Welcome to BHHS Marching Band! There's a ton of information here, but it's general. Always check the Calendar for the most up-to-date schedule information. And check out the Concerts/Events List to see an overview of the entire year!
Still have questions? Reach out to us at bboboosters@gmail.com
New to MB
Why Should Someone Join Band?
FUN
Music
Multi-tasking
Discipline
Teamwork
Band Camp!
Leadership
Camaraderie
Time Management
Sacrifice
Resilience
Flexibility
Friendship
Introduction to HS
Arts
College
Belonging
Life-long Learner
Myths About Band
“Students cannot do sports and band.”
Many of the marching band students participate in sports of all kinds, including football, soccer and tennis. In fact, one of this year’s Senior Drum Majors was on the Varsity Tennis team. Band students are well rounded students.
“There is no room for band in my schedule.”
Bloomfield Hills High School now allows students to choose 8 classes per semester. There absolutely is time in everyone’s schedule for band!
“Upperclassmen are really mean!”
In band, being an upperclassmen comes with leadership responsibilities. Students are guided through how to work with all students and work hard to make marching band feel like a family.
“Band isn’t cool.”
Each year many of the marching band members are voted onto the Homecoming Court and become leaders in many different aspects of the BHHS community.
“Band takes up too much time.”
Band (and marching band) can take up a lot of time, but learning to manage one’s time and commitments are part of the high school experience.
“I’m not good enough to be in high school band.”
There is no sideline in band. Each student, no matter their ability, is an integral part of the band family. Drum Majors, Section Leaders, Teachers and Staff all work together to ensure each student receives the guidance they need to be their most successful and help the group reach their full potential.
Time Commitment:
Summer Expectations - All students are expected to participate in Pre-Camp days and Band Camp, as well as Wednesday evening rehearsals beginning the week after Band Camp in August. Show music will be available before the end of the school year and should be memorized by the first day of Band Camp. (see below regarding schedule conflicts)
School Year Expectations - Wednesday evening rehearsals (August -October), varsity football games (usually Friday evenings in the fall), two Saturday Marching Band Invitationals, one MSBOA Marching Band Festival (usually on a weekday). All other rehearsals are during the school day in Campus, Concert or Symphony Band (students head outside to practice marching band during their normal band time). Marching Band concludes with the final home varsity football game usually mid to late October. **For specific dates and times see the attached calendar or www.bboboosters.com/calendar.
Pre-Camp - Usually held at the end of July, just prior to the scheduled Band Camp. Pre-Camp is designed as an orientation to equip freshmen and new marchers with the skills they will need to be successful at Band Camp. Students meet Drum Majors, Section Leaders and staff, learn the fundamentals of marching, how to read drill coordinates, work on memorization of music, and begin to build relationships with fellow marching band members. All Pre-Camp activities take place at Bloomfield Hills High School and run from 8:30am-12:30pm each day.
Band Camp - All marching band members must attend Band Camp. This week-long away camp allows all members to focus on learning the field show, rehearsing music and building camaraderie between all members and sections. Students travel to a local university, stay in air conditioned college dorms, and rehearse 6-8 hours a day. Evening optional activities scheduled throughout the week may include: dodgeball, skit night, movie night, soccer, pizza party, and swimming in the university’s indoor pool.
Marching Band and International Academy Students
Students from IA who also reside in the Bloomfield Hills School District will be able to participate in the BHHS Marching Band. Students who wish to participate must attend 100% of the performances and rehearsals that exist outside of the normal school day (with the exception of personal illness and/or family emergencies). Small exceptions to this rule might be granted but must be approved by Mr. Posner before signing up. Students must also participate in curricular band for both semesters at the International Academy. Students who fail to meet this requirement will not be allowed to sign up for marching band at Bloomfield Hills next year.
What does the MB Registration Fee cover?
This will cover the band camp staff, the cost of writing the drill, and meals. This will additionally cover room and board for band camp as well as transportation to and from camp.
BBOB covers the summer uniform t-shirt, and the hats/gloves for the freshmen/new marchers.
How does all of this happen?
Bloomfield Band and Orchestra Boosters
At Bloomfield Hills High School, the Band (Marching Band) and Orchestra programs are supported through the organization Bloomfield Band and Orchestra Boosters. Without the assistance of parents and community members Bloomfield Hills students would not have this wonderful program. Please consider giving your time to help keep the program running smoothly. Contact the BBOB President (bboboosterspresident@gmail.com) or any other member of the board to see how your talents can best be used. www.bboboosters.com/contact.
Stay Connected, see what we're up to!
Social Media
Website
Additional information can be found at the Bloomfield Band and Orchestra Boosters website:
Please “like” our page especially for access to livestream performances:
https://www.facebook.com/bhhsbands/
Please follow me on instagram for band updates
https://www.instagram.com/alan.f.posner/
Before Band Camp (Pre-Camp)
Leadership
Every member of the Bloomfield Hills School Band is a leader. These positions serve as guides to this leadership. You'll meet them at Pre-Camp and they will be with you every step of the way.
Section Leaders – Section leaders are responsible for all of the members of his or her section. Section leaders are expected to be able to demonstrate and teach good musicianship as well as good marching technique. Section leaders may elect to call extra sectionals as they see fit. Section leaders must submit an application in order to be considered for the position. The position of Section Leader is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Assistant Section Leaders – Assistant section leaders are similar in function to section leaders. They are expected to share similar traits and responsibilities of the section leader. Assistant section leaders should confer with their section leaders when making larger or more meaningful decisions. The position of assistant section leader is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Drum Majors –The drum majors serve as the leaders of the Marching Band. The drum majors are responsible for assisting the director in fundamentals rehearsal, conducting the ensemble, dealing with administrative duties, and contributing to the success of the entire program. Prospective drum majors must audition in the second semester. The position of Drum Major is open to juniors and seniors.
Specialized Sections
Drumline (marching percussion) - Drumline includes: snare drum, marching bass drum, tenor drums, and cymbals. Students grades 9-12 must audition for drumline in order to be considered for a marching spot. Audition camps start in early March with rehearsals after school hours. Depending on the number of students auditioning for drumline each year, there may be students who are placed in the pit (sideline) percussion. Participation in drumline requires extra rehearsals beyond Wednesday evening rehearsals. These rehearsals are determined by percussion staff and section leaders with consideration to the needs of the full ensemble.
Pit (sideline percussion) - Pit Percussion includes mallet instruments like bells, xylophone, marimba, and chimes, as well as auxiliary instruments like bongos, triangle, gong, and suspended cymbal. There may also be electric instruments in the Pit such as bass guitar and electric keyboards. Members of the Pit do not march, but are full members of the marching band and as such are expected to be at all rehearsals and performances. They, however, do not attend extra drumline rehearsals.
Color Guard (flags) - The Color Guard is a very important part of the overall effect of the marching band. Any student at BHHS may audition to be a member of the color guard. Audition camps start in April/May with rehearsals after school hours. Interested students will be expected to learn a routine and perform it as part of the audition. Participation in colorguard may require extra rehearsal beyond Wednesday evening rehearsals. These rehearsals are determined by color guard staff and color guard captains with consideration to the needs of the full ensemble.
Pre-Camp
Usually held at the end of July, just prior to the scheduled Band Camp. Pre-Camp is designed as an orientation to equip freshmen and new marchers with the skills they will need to be successful at Band Camp. Students meet Drum Majors, Section Leaders and staff, learn the fundamentals of marching, how to read drill coordinates, work on memorization of music, and begin to build relationships with fellow marching band members. All Pre-Camp activities take place at Bloomfield Hills High School and run from 8:30am-12:30pm each day.
Pre-Camp Schedule
Pre-Camp Day 1 - 8:30 am - 12:00 pm - leadership day (drum majors and section leaders)
Pre-Camp Day 2 - 8:30 am - 12:30 pm - new marchers/freshman, leadership, color guard, and drumline
Pre-Camp Day 3 - 8:30 am - 12:30 pm – new marchers/freshman, 10th graders, leadership, color guard, and drumline
Pre-Camp Day 4 - 8:30 am - 12:30 pm – Full band
Off to Band Camp! - 6:30 am - Report to BHHS to Depart for Band Camp
Get Back to BHHS - 11:00 am - Arrive back at BHHS - Home Show on varsity field*
*for parents/guardians, family & friends, see what your student has been learning and the show so far! About an hour, on the football field, sitting outside in the stands (there's no cover/shade) so wear hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and bring water!
Band Camp Overview
Band Camp - All marching band members must attend Band Camp. This week-long away camp allows all members to focus on learning the field show, rehearsing music and building camaraderie between all members and sections. Students travel to a local university, stay in air conditioned college dorms, and rehearse 6-8 hours a day. Evening optional activities scheduled throughout the week may include: dodgeball, skit night, movie night, soccer, pizza party, and swimming in the university’s indoor pool.
Typical day at Band Camp
7:30am Breakfast
8:30am Outdoor rehearsal (fundamentals)
10:30am Break
11:00am Sectional (music rehearsal)
12:00pm Lunch/Rest/Break
1:30pm Outdoor rehearsal (learning drill)
3:30pm Break
4:00pm Music rehearsal (full ensemble)
5:00pm Dinner/Break
6:30pm Outdoor rehearsal
8:30pm Done/Scheduled activity/Free time
10:15pm On dorm floors
10:30pm In rooms
10:45pm Bed check - Lights out
Theme Days
- the Drum Majors and each section decide on these
Example
Who watches the kids during Band Camp?
Camp Chaperones/Volunteers:
We need at least 4 male and 4 female parent/guardian chaperones during band camp. Chaperones supervise the students when they are not on the field or in sectionals, provide water and snacks during rehearsals, provide minor first aid, walk with students to nearby restaurants/stores and complete bed checks at night.
Volunteer shifts are Monday thru Wednesday or Wednesday thru Saturday. If you would like to volunteer at camp, please complete the band camp volunteer form and the background check form. Because it can be disruptive, we do not allow day visitors.
What if my student gets hurt or sick?
Someone with First Aid training always with us (nurse and/or doctor - ?)
Rules and Regulations
These rules are intended to ensure a safe and productive camp experience for you, as well as an enjoyable week of rehearsal. The committed Black Hawk Band student will have no difficulty with these.
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You must be ready to rehearse when each session starts – ON TIME IS LATE!
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Lateness will result in a deduction of your section’s point totals in the house cup competition.
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Chaperones and staff members are there to help you. You are to treat any instruction or request from them as having come from the Director.
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THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIORS ARE FORBIDDEN, AND WILL RESULT IN YOUR IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM CAMP, REMOVAL FROM THE BAND PROGRAM, AND PROBABLE SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL.
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Smoking/vaping
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Use of alcohol or illegal drug
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Fighting
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Vandalism
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Gross or repeated insubordination
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Our dorm is divided into two distinct sides. Girls will be housed on the one side, boys on the other side. You may not enter the living area of the opposite gender.
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Your health is your responsibility. Make sure to eat all meals, get plenty of water, and get your rest.
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When curfew is called, and lights out is called, you must have all your lights, stereos, video games, etc. OFF!
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Living areas are to be kept quiet and neat during break times. The rights of those who wish to rest will prevail.
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There will be NO “hazing” of new members. New members will be given the opportunity to integrate into the band by doing small tasks such as clearing tables, providing entertainment at dinner and at the end of rehearsal as requested by their “secret senior”, etc. These tasks are OPTIONAL.
Packing for Band Camp
Remember to PACK LIGHT. These are the items you will need for camp:
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Your Instrument including all necessary accessories
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Music!!!!
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Refillable Water Bottle
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Issued name tag lanyard
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Lyre* and flip folder
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Pillow
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XL Sheets
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Towels
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The summer uniform (t-shirt will be issued, hat is given to all new members)
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Appropriate clothing – including rain gear
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Swimsuit (optional) - we might be given an hour of pool time during our long break on Friday
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Hat and sunscreen
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Athletic Shoes – no sandals or bare feet on the field. Note – don’t wear new shoes. Cross trainers are ideal. Make sure you can’t bend your shoe in half.
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Recommend 2nd pair of athletic shoes in case it rains
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Socks
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Personal toiletries and supplies including soap/hand soap and shampoo
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NOTE – If you have special medications, inhalers, etc. you must bring them with you! It is our assumption that you will be able to take your own medication. If that is not the case, a parent must accompany you to Band Camp.
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NOTE 2x - bathrooms will be shared between 6 students
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Rec Stuff –football, soccer balls, Frisbees but NO WATER GUNS – I will end up owning them and NO SKATEBOARDS OR ROLLER BLADES
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Small speakers, etc – whatever you can get on the bus in one trip
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Cash/debit card – Don’t bring a lot of money. You can order pizza/food in the evening.
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LABEL your belongings
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A string backpack with your name on it.
*HERE is a helpful guide when purchasing a lyre for your specific instrument
After Band Camp
Schedule: Aug–Oct
Evening Rehearsals - weds night rehearsals
MB is a Class - during the school day
Football Games
Students will be required to perform at pre-game, in the stands and at halftime for all home football games. Students are given the third quarter off, but are required to play in the stands at all other times.
Other Events
There are other required events such as: MB Invitational, MSBOA Festival, in-school pep rallies, Band-O-Rama Concert, Halloween Parade
we will get that info to you as we they come up throughout the season.
Managing Schedule Conflicts
A high percentage of marching band members participate in school sports, clubs, and community activities. When conflicts arise the following rules usually apply when adequate notice is given:
A game outweighs a rehearsal
A performance outweighs a practice
When a game and performance conflict an excused absence is given on a case-by-case basis. Early communication regarding conflict is key to a mutual resolution. When rehearsals and practice conflict, a schedule is agreed upon between the director, student and coach.
Absences
Approved absences must be reported AT LEAST ONE MONTH before the event in question. Please fill out all excused absences using the Marching Band Absence Form. Students who wish to participate in marching band must be enrolled in band for the entire year. The only exception is for colorguard students who are not in band. These students must be approved ahead of time and must take band for the first semester. Students may not attend online classes that interfere with rehearsals while at band camp.
FILLING OUT AN ABSENCE FORM DOES NOT ALWAYS AUTOMATICALLY EXCUSE YOU FROM REHEARSAL
Automatically Excused Absences: Illness, Family Emergency, Out of Town, Sports Game, Religious Events,
Absences that require an email to Mr Posner and may not be fully excused: work schedule, homework, studying for a test, drivers training, early morning events the next day, family events.
Finding Forms & Documents ... RESOURCES page on this site!
Uniforms
The Bloomfield Hills Band uniform is what identifies you as a Bloomfield Hills Marching Band member; it therefore must be worn ONLY at authorized appearances and must ALWAYS be worn properly. The uniform and its individual parts are to be worn only by Bloomfield Hills Marching Band Members. The Marching Band T-shirt does not apply to these rules.
The Bloomfield Hills MB SUMMER uniform includes
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Marching Band t-shirt (issued)
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Athletic Shorts - ALL Black (no stripes or large emblems)
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Marching Band Baseball Hat (issued)
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Marching Band Shoes ** - not needed for Sunday band camp performance at BHHS
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WHITE socks
The Bloomfield Hills MB uniform includes:
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Band jacket
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Hat
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White Gloves (extras can be purchased for $5)
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Pants
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Garment Bag
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Marching band t-shirt OR neutral colored shirt (black, gray, purple, or white)
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Black marching shoes
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BLACK Socks (student provided)
Marching shoes must be purchased through us as well, we all wear the same thing. The cost of the shoe is $49.95 including shipping (this may change slightly each year). We will place this order in August as student’s feet are always growing. Students may keep the same shoes from year to year (as long as they fit).
Please refer to the Marching Band “Uniform Contract” for replacement prices for lost or damaged uniforms. If your uniform is wet, you must hang it up to dry immediately after use. If your uniform needs an emergency cleaning (i.e. hot chocolate spill) or repair, please take care of it and contact the uniform chairperson (bboboostersuniforms@gmail.com) If you turn in a uniform with damage you will BE CHARGED for the repair or replacement. Uniforms are the property of BHHS, and these charges will go against your school account.
Other Ensembles/Opportunities
Courses During School Day:
Campus Band - (Semester 1 and 2) 9th grade students (10-12 students with schedule conflicts), non-auditioned band, all members in this class are a part of the marching band.
Concert Band - (Semester 1 and 2) 10-12th grade students only, non-auditioned band, all members in this class are a part of the marching band.
Symphony Band - (Semester 1 and 2) 9-12th grade students, auditioned band, all members in this class are a part of the marching band. Students who audition and are placed in Symphony Band must be enrolled in the class both semesters. Auditions for acceptance into the ensemble take place in April/May each school year.
Black Hawk Band - (Semester 1 ONLY) 9-12th grade students, non-auditioned band, members are not a part of the marching band. 9th grade students must select Campus Band for semester 2 and 10-12 grade students must select Concert Band for semester 2.
** Summary** See Diagram: https://tinyurl.com/2kyfkp4v
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If a freshman student chooses TO BE IN marching band they should enroll in Campus Band for semester 1 and 2.
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If a freshman student chooses NOT to be in marching band they should enroll in Black Hawk Band semester 1 and Campus Band semester 2.
Other Credit Ensembles (Outside the School Day):
Jazz Band - (0 hour class, before school and/or after school) 9-12th grade students. This class is taken for credit and appears as a 4.0 for every semester. The schedule is as follows:
This schedule can change yearly for multiple factors. Our current schedule is as follows:
Jazz Ensemble:
Tuesday - 2:50 pm - 4:05 pm
Wednesday* - 6:50 am - 7:37 am
Friday - 6:50 am - 7:37 am
Jazz Lab:
Monday - 6:50 am - 7:37 am
Tuesday - 6:50 am - 7:37 am
Wednesday* - 2:50 pm - 4:05 pm
*These rehearsals begin after marching band has ended in mid/late October.
Jazz Ensemble is an auditioned group open to Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano/Bass/Drums/Guitar only, Jazz Lab is non-auditioned open to all instruments.
Full Orchestra - Students who audition and are placed into the top chairs in the Symphony Band are invited to participate in Full Orchestra. Rehearsals are Thursdays after school and begin when Marching Band concludes. Students receive a 4.0 credit for every semester they are involved in the ensemble.
Non-Credit Ensembles (Community Service Hours):
Pit Orchestra (community service hours) 9-12th grade students who audition and commit to all rehearsals and performances. Musical rehearsals take place in the Fall with performances in November, before Thanksgiving.
Winter Guard Team (Club Sport)